Steam Systems

Energy Efficiency

Over 45% of all the fuel burned by U.S. manufacturers is consumed to raise steam, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Steam is used to heat raw materials and treat semi-finished products. It is also a power source for equipment, as well as for building heat and electricity generation. But steam is not free. It costs approximately $18 billion (1997 dollars) annually to feed the boilers generating the steam.

In terms of increasing the efficiency of your steam system, the DOE offers the following tips:

Determine the efficiency of your steam generation system (based on steam output/fuel input).

Determine how much steam you use, and how much it costs to generate this steam.